Some Coconut Castaways were up bright and early on Saturday, August 23, 2008 and gave up most of their day to volunteer at a volleyball tournament which raised money for The Heart Connection, Children's Cancer Programs.  The event, which was organized by members of the Business Architects, was the 2nd Annual tournament held in the name of Maddy Cunningham, a little girl who has battled cancer.  Also attending and participating in the event was the family of Derek Ellerbeck, who is also battling cancer.  Derek's dad Kory helped with MC duties for the day (as seen in this photo with Darla MacConnell, the event organizer) and Derek's mom, Michelle, played on one of the volleyball teams which was appropriately named "Cancer Sucks".  Both Kory and Michelle are members of the Coconut Castaways and we were happy to provide volunteers for this wonderful event.  THANK YOU to all of the volunteers who were there for over eight hours on Saturday helping out.  We really appreciate your willingness to help.  Because of you, the event was a great success!

8-23-2008

Back in July, when Howard Livingston and Mile Marker 24 came to Iowa for three GREAT concerts, the Coconut Castaways decided to hold a raffle during the concerts to raise money for The Heart Connection, Children's Cancer Programs.  At the end of the weekend after all the proceeds had been counted, we had ended up with $858 to donate to this wonderful charity!!  With Tiffany Spinner, Director of Donor Relation for The Heart Connection, in attendance at Maddy Cunningham's Classic Volleyball Tournament on August 23, we thought this would be the perfect opportunity to present her with a check for the donations raised.  Our very own Kory Ellerbeck called Tiffany up to the front of the crowd and made the announcement of the Coconut Castaways' donation and Julie Engelken, President of the club, presented her with a "big" check for $858 from the Club (see photo).  Tiffany was surprised and touched to receive the donation, which will help the Children's Cancer Programs.  She was thankful for our support of her organization AND for helping out at the tournament that day.  Thanks to our club members for helping to sell the raffle tickets during the concerts and to Mile Marker 24 for their support of the raffle as well and for giving away prizes to help sell those tickets!  We hope to be able to present many more "big" checks to worthy causes in the future!